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14 March 2023 Media Statement: GRDM Council takes action to protect the institution’s reputation and that of MM Monde Stratu

Media Statement: GRDM Council takes action to protect the institution’s reputation and that of MM Monde Stratu

For Immediate Release
14 March 2023

The Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Council unanimously expresses its support for the GRDM Municipal Manager (MM), Monde Stratu, who has been maliciously prosecuted for fraud, forgery, and uttering. The Council has granted approval for the MM to be legally represented.

The Council also granted the administration permission to take legal action to protect the reputation of the institution and that of the MM.

The Council believes that there are no reasonable grounds or evidence available to date to conclude that the MM has committed an act of misconduct. The Western Cape MEC for Local Government, Anton Bredell, will be notified about the recent Council developments.

Pictured: Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen (left), with Municipal Manager, Monde Stratu (right)

ENDS

Previously related article: https://www.gardenroute.gov.za/2023/03/09/9-march-2023-statement-legal-action-against-garden-route-dm-municipal-manager-a-distraction-from-ongoing-discussions-between-municipalities/

14 March 2023 Media Release: Establishment of a Community Safety Forum for the Greater Oudtshoorn

Media Release: Establishment of a Community Safety Forum for the Greater Oudtshoorn

For immediate release
14 March 2023

Oudtshoorn Municipality in collaboration with Garden Route District Municipality recently hosted the launch of the Community Safety Forum as well as the Municipal Safety Plan Review workshop, where role players and stakeholders formed a partnership to establish a platform for the coordination, integration and implementation of multi-sectoral prevention and community safety initiatives.

The workshop aimed to establish a forum with key role players that are a community-based initiative which aims to reduce crime, build awareness, and develop communities into safer places to live and work. Key role players included the Western Cape Government Department of Community Safety, Department of Social Development and South African Police Service (SAPS), as well as different sectors of Government Departments, Non-Governmental Organisation and many more.

Stakeholders and Councillors recently attended and participated in the launch of the Community Safety Forum held in Greater Oudtshoorn. Photo: Tania Steffens (Oudtshoorn Municipality)

The purpose of the launch of the Community Safety Forum and the Review of the Safety Plan was to clearly outline the Municipality’s role as well as the role of the other stakeholders in relation to Community Safety and to identify key priority areas and strategic actions to undertake.

The Constitution of the Republic of South Africa, Act 108 of 1996 states “that a municipality must ensure a safe and healthy environment for its community within its financial capacity” and within the discussions by various speakers, Brigadier Crafford who represented SAPS stated that safety is not the sole responsibility of SAPS, but a collective effort. Community safety is about more than just the level of crime that exists but also about the community’s perceived level of safety. Crafford mentioned a few practical examples of offences that takes place within the community ranging from murders to gender-based violence and challenges that SAPS are dealing with on a day to day basis.

During the two-day session, different sectors offered valuable contributions through presentations on how the different sectors are linked together when it comes to the safety of the community and affirmations and collective commitments to make the established Community Safety Forum a success by identifying strategies for the forum, including functional infrastructure, supporting growing service delivery demand, the increased ability to create value for customers, streamlining processes, the human capacity to deliver and functional leadership team.

Mr Luyanda Fatuse, acting director of Community Services said “We must be mutually committed to serving and supporting the community to sustain a safe living environment that ensures safety, peace and justice through our working in partnerships with all other stakeholders to enhance a safe living and working environment through commitment.

Fatuse added that strategies for community safety include an integrated approach towards combating crime, the responsibility of community safety is not only the responsibility of the police and municipal law enforcement but that of organised businesses, other government institutions and non-governmental organisations. “We must work together with community partners within all wards across the municipal area to effectively modify the model of this collective initiative to best suit our various sector, ward needs and resources”.

Mr Mzwandile Hewu, Chief Director of the Department of Social Development from the Western Cape Government, said during his presentation that the reason that all stakeholders must collaborate is “to deliver quality government services to all South Africans, to have uniform standards in the delivery of services; and to deliver services informed by the respective professional codes of ethics”. Hewu further stated that the vision of the Western Cape Government is to continually improve the lives of the people of South Africa through a transformed public service, which is representative, coherent, transparent, efficient, effective, accountable and responsive to the needs of all.

The attendees of the Community Safety Summit split into groups on the final day to brainstorm on the importance of law enforcement, social cohesion, open spaces and urban design when it comes to community safety.  After the review of the Community Safety Plan, measures are being put in place now to finalize it to make the plan well-drafted and consultative. A well-executed safety plan is crucial as it put mechanisms in place for proactive planning and response.

As a collective, the attendees agreed that there is too much vandalism, too many deaths, and too much substance abuse for these sectors not to take a stand and show the community that they are serious with this task at hand, with the help of the community.

Part of the task of the Community Safety Forum is to make sure that law enforcement, police and traffic are visible.  If people see that traffic is all around town, there would be less driving under the influence, and if police and law enforcement are regularly visible, people would find it very hard to steal and assault. The community therefore would be more cautious and you will find less crime will be committed.

The motto of the Community Safety Forum is Prevention, Protection, Preparedness. And Partnership. The slogan is “Partnering with our Community to prevent the predictable, protect where vulnerable and prepare for the unpredictable with our other partners”.

Issued by Oudtshoorn Municipality

13 March 2023 Impact Based Warning – Level 2 for Damaging Winds

Impact Based Warning – Level 2 for Damaging Winds

Please find included the Impact Based Warning for the Western Cape and Namaqua Region of Northern Cape.

Areas impacted from Wednesday, 15 March until Thursday 16 March along the Garden Route district, include:
Bitou, George, Hessequa, Knysna and Mossel Bay.

Report any weather-related incidents to the Garden Route Disaster Management Centre at 044 805 5071.

Legal notice:
“This warning from SA Weather Service must be communicated as received and may not be altered under any circumstance.
It must be forwarded or communicated in its entirety and no portion hereof may be replicated or copied and distributed.”

SOUTH AFRICAN WEATHER SERVICE
Cape Town Weather Office
2nd Floor: Oval Office Park
Cape Town Int airport
Freight Road
Matroosfontein
Cape Town

E-Mail: factfc@weathersa.co.za
Tel: 021 935 5700

10 March 2023 Media Release: Load shedding relief: GRDM receives R1.6 million for generators from the WC Government

Load shedding relief: GRDM receives R1.6 million for generators from the WC Government

For Immediate Release
10 March 2023

Since load shedding is expected to continue and possibly increase going forward, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) approached the Western Cape Department of Local Government to apply for an Emergency Municipal Load Shedding Grant.

This action was taken in response to the GRDM Disaster Risk Reduction – capacity building plan, aimed at implementing emergency measures at district level to mitigate the impacts of load shedding on municipal services, businesses, and the economy.

In response, GRDM received R1.6 million to buy at least four (4) mobile 120 KVA diesel powered back-up generators. These will help local municipalities in the Garden Route.  The purpose of the new back-up power units would be to use at water and waste water sites.

GRDM also intends to assist local municipalities in need of Water Use Licence Applications/Renewals (WULA). Several municipalities have struggled to comply due to an overflowing or spilling sewer at pump stations – a direct result of not having backup energy at all their sites.

This project will help to temporarily reduce the effects of load shedding on basic services, especially water and sanitation.

-End-

Relevant Documentation:
E200CS CANOPY – 120KVA CANOPY GENERATOR
Provincial-Gazette-Extra-2023-GJ_8719-Extra-Treasury-Funds-2023

9 March 2023 Statement: Legal action against Garden Route DM Municipal Manager a distraction from ongoing discussions between municipalities

Media Statement: Legal action against Garden Route DM Municipal Manager a distraction from ongoing discussions between municipalities

9 March 2023

On 8 March 2023, the Garden Route District Municipality (GRDM) Municipal Manager (MM), Mr Monde Stratu was ordered to appear before the Knysna Magistrate Court on 9 March 2023. A docket was opened regarding the treatment of properties belonging to the GRDM in the Annual Financial Statements of both the GRDM and Knysna Municipalities.

Both municipalities have, for years been engaged in discussions regarding the properties of the GRDM that are situated in the Knysna municipal area.

As the Executive Mayor of the GRDM, I am expressing my disappointment at how this matter is being handled by the law enforcement agencies and that it flies in the face of the fruitful discussions that are taking place between the two municipalities.

The Executive Mayor of Knysna, Councillor Aubrey Tsengwa has reiterated that both municipalities agreed not to declare any disputes, but to continue with discussions to find an amicable solution.

According to Mr Phineas Sebola, the Municipal Manager of Knysna, the Knysna Municipality did not even receive any legal documents related to the impending case against the GRDM MM. He believes that the matter does not need to go to court, as negotiations between the two municipalities are already proving to be productive.

Furthermore, Knysna Municipality took a resolution on 21 July 2021 to continue with engagements to find amicable resolutions in the spirit of cooperative governance. However, I am astounded that despite the ongoing discussions a criminal case was opened against the MM of GRDM.

A delegation from GRDM met with Knysna on 1 February 2023 to further discuss the properties in question and the meeting was very positive. Knysna Municipality delegation, led by the Deputy Mayor, Cllr Alberto Marbi, Cllr Neil Louw, Cllr Susan Campbell and the Municipal Manager agreed to write an item to the Knysna Municipal Council and recommend a possible solution for these properties. It is extremely surprising that during or after deliberations, the information regarding a case opened against the GRDM MM was not disclosed.

I and the Executive Mayor of Knysna have agreed that this amounts to malicious prosecution marred with procedural flaws aimed at tainting the reputation of the two institutions and further embarrassing the MM of GRDM.

The Executive Mayor of Knysna and I have come to a mutual agreement that the actions being taken against the two institutions are an act of malicious prosecution. Furthermore, we have noted that there are significant procedural flaws in the process, with the intention to harm the reputations of these organisations and to cause further embarrassment to the MM of GRDM.

Issued by the GRDM Executive Mayor, Alderman Memory Booysen

7 March 2023 Alert: Garden Route Water Security Workshop is underway

Alert: Garden Route Water Security Workshop is underway

7 March 2023

Water is a precious resource that’s essential for all living organisms. The Garden Route region in South Africa is facing significant water challenges due to climate change, population growth, and economic development. Today, 7 March 2023, a meeting is being held to discuss strategies for achieving a water-secure future. Representatives from various sectors will identify key water-related challenges and develop sustainable solutions.
The proposal to designate the Garden Route District Municipality as a Water Services Authority for Bulk Water and Sanitation Infrastructure will also be discussed. This will enable better coordination and implementation of strategies to improve water security.
Achieving water security is critical for sustainable development, and all stakeholders are going to participate in the workshop.
Together, we can build a resilient and sustainable future for the Garden Route.

ALERT: CALITZDORP HOT SPRINGS TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODS

ALERT: CALITZDORP HOT SPRINGS TEMPORARILY CLOSED DUE TO FLOODS

5 March 2023

We regret to inform the public that Calitzdorp Hot Springs has been closed due to severe flooding caused by the recent torrential rains. The safety and well-being of our guests and staff are of utmost importance, and we have decided to temporarily suspend all operations until the necessary repairs are completed.

The main building and Roman bath area have been affected, as well as the camping area and some of the roads of the resort.

Unfortunately, we are unable to provide a specific date for the reopening of the resort as it is dependent on the weather conditions and the progress of the repairs. However, we assure the public that we are working diligently to restore the facilities as soon as possible and hope to welcome guests back to Calitzdorp Hot Springs in the near future.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your patience and understanding during this challenging time. Please stay tuned for further updates on our website and social media platforms.

Thank you to our guests for their continued support, and we look forward to seeing you soon again.

Those who have booked with us for the next two to three weeks will be contacted for full refunds or alternative dates to stay by us.

Sincerely,
Calitzdorp Hot Springs Management

03 March 2023 Media Release: The effect of loadshedding on Water Quality

Media Release:  The effects of load shedding on water quality

For immediate release
03 March 2023

Loadshedding was introduced to South Africa in 2007, the country’s communities and various sectors have had to adjust to its inconvenient nature and effects.

The impact of loadshedding can be seen daily. Loadshedding also has an impact that we cannot see.  It has a direct impact on Municipal Services, specifically water and sanitation.  Garden Route District Municipality’s (GRDM) Municipal Health Services is responsible to monitor the water quality in terms of one of their Key Performance areas within their Scope of Practise.

GRDM Municipal Health Services monitor water bodies and water sources on a routine basis to ensure compliance with the relevant legislation.

The impact of load shedding on water quality and associated risk to human health

Pumping water, treating water, and distributing drinkable water all require electricity.  It is also used for the collection and treatment of wastewater.  Authorities may have backup systems that can help with the aforementioned during load shedding periods; however, these systems may break down for extended periods. With load shedding the procedures, become more labor intensified with associated risks.

Water purification systems

In the case where no sufficient amount of water is treated, water might not be available for drinking and hygienic purposes.

 This includes:

Cleaning households or very importantly food premises.  The communities will be reminded to the term “water is life”,  if taps run dry due to load shedding and not being able to drink treated water, or  even not being able to flush your toilet.  Untreated water can expose communities to various infectious bacteria that could be harmful to your health.  The most known bacteria is Escherichia coli.

  1. Coli can cause diseases like gastroenteritis, as well as ear – , nose and throat infections.

Agricultural sector

Water quality is of crucial importance for this sector in our communities.  Premises like abattoirs and dairy farms depend on hygiene during all the related processes and the availability of potable water plays an important part during all these processes.  Pollution can occur in rivers used for agricultural purposes. This can lead to accumulation of microbiological and chemical pollutants in crops and vegetation destined for the consumer.

Sanitation

Electricity is used in all the processes of sanitation from pump station until the final process of disinfection of sewerage.  Pump stations pump sewerage to the wastewater treatment plant. High-risk areas and priority areas might have backup system to ensure that the pump station does not overflow.

The overflowing of pump stations can have a detrimental effect on the environment and cause severe environmental health nuisances. Pump stations near recreational areas or rivers can pollute the nearby water source that is utilised by the communities.  Communities using these recreational areas could be exposed to skin conditions, gastroenteritis or even cholera.

The possibility of untreated sewage entering our water bodies is much higher during load shedding, especially with the increase of the load shedding stages.

Please report all overflowing manholes to your local municipality.

Report all vandalism of infrastructure during loadshedding – compromised infrastructure leads to compromised water quality.

Herewith the details for each regional office within the Garden Route District:

Klein Karoo & Kannaland
Desmond Paulse
Chief: Municipal Health (Klein Karoo)
Tel: 044 272 2241 / 083 678 6530
Address: 94 St John Street, Oudtshoorn

Mossel Bay
Monique Anthony
Acting Chief: Municipal Health (Mossel Bay)
Tel:  044 693 0006
Address C/O Sampson & Marlin Street, Ext 23, Mossel Bay.

George Outeniqua
Emmy Douglas
Chief: Municipal Health (Outeniqua)
Tel: 044 803 1501 / Fax: 044 803 1566
Address: Mission Street, Industrial Area, George, 6530

Knysna Region
James McCarthy
Municipal Health Chief: Knysna
Tel: 044 382 7214 / 082 805 9417
Address: 26A Queen Street, Knysna

Bitou Region
Gawie Vos
Municipal Health Chief: Lakes (Bitou)
Tel: 044 501 1600 / 083 557 1522
Address: 7 Gibb Street, Plettenberg Bay

Hessequa Region
Haemish Herwels
Municipal Health Chief: Hessequa
Tel: 028 713 2438 / 083 678 6545
Address: 23 Michell Street, Riversdale, 6670

Johan Compion
Manager: Municipal Health & Environmental Services
E-mail: info@gardenroute.gov.za
Tel: 044 803 1300

ENDS

01 March 2023 Media Release: Nishendra Moodley begins leadership role at the EDP

Nishendra Moodley begins leadership role at the EDP

For Immediate Release
1 March 2023

The EDP’s new CEO Nishendra Moodley takes over from outgoing CEO Andrew Boraine as the organisation prepares to build its reach and resilience over the next three years.

The Economic Development Partnership’s (EDP) new CEO, Nishendra Moodley, has officially taken over the organisation’s leadership from outgoing CEO and founder, Andrew Boraine.

This follows an extensive handover, during which the EDP’s leadership met many of the organisation’s partners and stakeholders to discuss the EDP’s growing role as a collaborative intermediary promoting ‘partnering for action’ towards inclusive, sustainable social and economic development in South Africa.

Nishendra says: “The EDP is a unique organisation that, under Andrew’s trusted leadership, has played a very influential role over the last decade, quickly adapting to provide strategic support in times of need such as during Cape Town’s water crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. I share its principles, values and ethos and am excited about the creative role the EDP can play in our country. My aim is to deepen our practices as a collaborative intermediary and to work with our partners to build increasing capacity to implement joint actions for systems change.”

Nishendra’s arrival coincides with an expanded vision, adopted by the EDP Board to build the EDP’s resilience and reach over the next three years. While the EDP’s core offering remains the same, the organisation’s key focus areas for the next three years include Energy and Climate, Water Resilience, Infrastructure and Mobility, Employment and Economic Opportunity, Food Systems, Spatial Transformation and Strategic Capacity Building. The organisation will also engage with partners nationally to increase its impact.

The EDP’s leadership meets with municipal leadership in the Garden Route District on 01 March 2023. From left to right: Rushka Ely, EDP; Lusanda Menze, Executive Manager: Planning and Economic Development; Melanie Wilson, Manager: Tourism and District Economic Development; Andrew Boraine, former EDP CEO; Monde Stratu, GRDM Municipal Manager; Nishendra Moodley, EDP CEO; Natalie Rubenheimer, Senior DED Officer, and Paul Hoffman, EDP.

“South Africa faces a ‘crisis of implementation’ – as a county we have strong policies and plans but often low agreement on how to deliver on them,” says Nishendra. “We need new ways to engage with the complex, inter-connected challenges we face, and to ensure that we achieve impact through our collective action. The EDP’s role as an independent intermediary that promotes action-oriented partnering and the building of trust is thus more relevant than ever.”

While Andrew has stepped down as CEO, he will continue to play a support role to the EDP. With over 40 years of experience as a systems change-maker, he will now work as an independent partnering practitioner, while teaching and promoting relational governance approaches.

“I’m stepping down fully believing in the continued purpose, role and value-add of the EDP, and confident of Nishendra’s vision and capacity to drive it to the next stage. Leadership transitions in organisations, if handled poorly can result in uncertainty and loss of momentum, but under the full oversight of the EDP Board, we’ve undertaken a very thorough overlapping transition period, while ensuring continued programme delivery. I am confident that we have been able to apply sound transition management principles to ourselves.”

“I am looking forward to stepping out of a management role, which I have held variously for the past 28 years, to have time to focus on two areas: finding ways to better connect the world of practice to the realm of ideas, and to build change-maker and adaptive leadership capabilities in the next generation of development practitioners.”

The EDP Board thanks Andrew, the management and staff of the EDP as well its partners and stakeholders for a seamless leadership transition that has strengthened its offering and positions the EDP for growth in the coming years.

Author: Kate Ribet – Issued by Western Cape Economic Development Partnership